New Rancho Mirage Facebook group creator: I was troubled by another page's 'lack of inclusiveness'

Six candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for three seats on Rancho Mirage City Council. The election is April 10, 2018.

Wochit

Rancho Mirage residents who use social media have a new place to go to discuss and debate local issues.

Following much frustration over the strict rules of the Rancho Mirage News Facebook group, whose founder is a strong supporter of the city's three council incumbents, a local resident started his own group titled “The Real Rancho Mirage News."

FILE - A person holds an iPhone displaying the Facebook app logo in front of a computer screen ...more

FILE - A person holds an iPhone displaying the Facebook app logo in front of a computer screen showing the Facebook login page.

Carl Court/Getty Images

Advertising and marketing executive Jonas Udcoff, CEO of Cord Media, set up the page on Sunday as a forum for residents to engage in "thoughtful, civil dialogue."

"Having lived in the city for more than two decades, I was troubled by another Rancho Mirage Facebook page's lack of inclusiveness," Udcoff said. "Several friends and community leaders stated that they were denied membership and barred from even commenting, despite being residents. I myself was never approved to become a member of the group. I am of the opinion that this kind of policy isn't in the true spirit of the city."

The welcoming tone is much different than what some members say they've encountered on the Rancho Mirage News group's Facebook page, which is sternly administered by former journalist Charles Barrett, who has been known to censor posts and block naysayers.

Although Barrett — a member of the city's Speaker Series Commission — says he has altered his rules to be more accommodating, his critics want a counterbalance to the growing influence of his group, which has nearly 2,000 members. Barrett did not respond to requests for comment from the Desert Sun.

The new Facebook group is meant to provide an alternative platform where people with opposing views can engage in a civil debate — especially as the city council race heats up.

Udcoff said while he does favor certain candidates over others, the new Facebook group is meant for everyone and he thinks "it's critical that all voices be heard."

"I am not interested in moderating, censoring or pushing a specific platform or agenda," Udcoff said.

One member of the new group expressed opposition to the CV Link project on Monday, and the page administrator replied, “This is a perfect forum for proper discussion for our city.”

Others praised the group for being “refreshing" and "energetic.”

Group member Lori Edwards Jonasson, a business strategist and friend of Rancho Mirage city council candidate Kate Spates, said she was happy to see a group that welcomed everyone.

“I am not a Rancho Mirage resident but I am appalled at the behavior of the Rancho Mirage City Council,” she said. “I have repeatedly tried to join the other Rancho Mirage News group and (Barrett) refuses to approve me even though his pinned post says the group is open to anyone with an interest in Rancho Mirage news. I feel like his real intent is to host a propaganda machine for the incumbents."

As of Tuesday morning, more than 750 people joined "The Real Rancho Mirage News" Facebook group. Udcoff said he is pleasantly surprised by the immediate interest.

Desert Sun reporter Nicole Hayden covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at Nicole.Hayden@desertsun.com or (760) 778-4623. Follow her on Twitter @nicoleandpig.